Should Students Seek Help for Mental Health Issues? The Importance of Treatment

Q: Should Students Seek Help for Mental Health Issues? The Importance of Treatment

Hello, classmate： Your anxiety, panic, depression, and insomnia have severely impacted your daily life and have caused you significant stress about attending school. <br>This situation requires professional help. <br>Through consultations with a physician, psychological counselin

Students are hesitant about whether to visit a clinic for medical care. Can they really recover without seeing a doctor?

I previously visited a mental health specialist with my mother twice.
After the first visit, I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder and prescribed medication, but I didn't return for a follow-up after finishing the medication.
During the second visit, the doctor seemed a bit dismissive, possibly because I am a child, and suggested that I would get better on my own.
Besides anxiety, I often experience panic and depressive symptoms, which have led to insomnia, affecting my daily life and routine.
I can't control the onset of these symptoms, and I often resort to self-harm to feel better, but recently even that method hasn't been effective.

Regarding my mother, she always feels disappointed and angry with me, believing that I am doing this on purpose.
She is very emotional, and when she gets upset, she tends to lash out at me, often belittling me in everyday life.
Therefore, I decided that it would be best for me to seek medical help on my own.
Additionally, I experience hallucinations and can hear voices, which sounds absurd to say out loud, and I feel like no one would understand since I am the only one who can see them.
This makes me question whether my situation is serious or if I am overreacting.
I have sought help many times, but most of it has been ineffective, and it feels like no one genuinely wants to help me, which I can understand.
This has led to a fear of seeking help, making me wonder if I would get better on my own, but that is not the case.
I am very scared that as a child, if I seek medical help again, I might be dismissed and feel even more discouraged.
My daily life has already been severely impacted; I feel immense pain just stepping into school, and I have experienced panic attacks many times.

Should I seek medical help? Will continuing medication lead to improvement? Thank you for reading this.

K33, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/03/14

Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry

Hello, classmate: Your anxiety, panic, depression, and insomnia have severely impacted your daily life and have caused you significant stress about attending school.
This situation requires professional help.
Through consultations with a physician, psychological counseling, and medication assistance, your symptoms of anxiety, panic, depression, insomnia, and hallucinations can improve.
Therefore, I strongly recommend that you seek medical attention from a mental health specialist as soon as possible! Hang in there! Don't lose hope!

Reply Date: 2024/03/14

More Info

It's clear from your message that you're experiencing significant mental health challenges, including anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and even self-harm. These issues are serious and can have a profound impact on your daily life, academic performance, and overall well-being. Given your symptoms and the distress they cause, seeking professional help is not just advisable; it is essential.

Firstly, it's important to understand that mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, are medical conditions that require appropriate treatment. Just like physical illnesses, they can worsen if left untreated. The fact that you've already been diagnosed with anxiety and have experienced panic attacks indicates that you have a legitimate concern that deserves attention. Your symptoms, including insomnia and self-harm, are signals from your body and mind that something is not right and needs to be addressed.

You mentioned that you have had some negative experiences with healthcare providers in the past, which can understandably make you hesitant to seek help again. However, it's crucial to remember that not all healthcare professionals are the same. If you feel that your previous providers were dismissive or unhelpful, consider seeking a second opinion or finding a mental health professional who specializes in treating young people. Look for someone who is empathetic, listens to your concerns, and takes your symptoms seriously. You deserve to be treated with respect and to receive the care you need.

In terms of medication, it can be an effective part of treatment for anxiety and depression, but it often takes time to find the right medication and dosage. It's also important to combine medication with therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which has been shown to be effective for anxiety and depression. Therapy can provide you with coping strategies, help you understand your feelings, and work through the underlying issues contributing to your distress.

You also mentioned experiencing hallucinations, which is a serious symptom that should not be ignored. Hallucinations can be associated with various mental health conditions, and it's crucial to discuss these experiences with a mental health professional. They can help determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

It's understandable to feel overwhelmed and fearful about seeking help, especially if you've had negative experiences in the past. However, your mental health is a priority, and there are people who genuinely want to help you. Consider reaching out to a trusted adult, such as a school counselor or a family member, who can support you in finding the right help. You don't have to go through this alone.

In conclusion, yes, you should seek medical help for your mental health issues. The symptoms you're experiencing are significant and warrant professional intervention. With the right treatment, including therapy and possibly medication, you can find relief from your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and you deserve to feel better. Don't hesitate to take that first step towards healing.

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